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This chapter describes structures based on the bacterial polyesters poly(hydroxyalkanoates) and fibres based on the synthetic polymer poly(caprolactone). The various materials and techniques available for producing these fibres are discussed along with their properties relevant to sustainable synthetic materials. Examples of other biodegradable polyesters are also given and the chapter concludes by describing possible applications of the technology and future trends in research directions.

Publisher Summary Polylactic Acid (PLA) is linear aliphatic thermoplastic polyester derived from 100% renewable sources such as corn and the polymer is compostable. However, most initial uses were limited to biomedical applications such as sutures and drug delivery systems due to availability and cost of manufacture. NatureWorks LLC has developed large-scale operations for the economic production of PLA polymer used for packaging and fiber applications. It is important that PLA is used broadly in textile applications for several reasons. PLA fiber is derived from annually renewable crops, it is 100% compostable, and its life cycle potentially reduces the Earth's carbon dioxide level. The vision for PLA fibers is more than just developing new performance products; it encompasses the additional goal of reducing total environmental impact. The result is a product that is more sustainable than comparable polymers on the market today. PLA fibers have made significant steps toward creating more sustainable products with unique performance attributes. This chapter discusses the chemistry of PLA and the commercial manufacturing process that confirms its position as a viable material for many applications in both the fibers and the plastics industries. It also explains the various properties of the polymer and considers the fiber properties that make it attractive to the commercial sectors into which it is being developed today.